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Accomplishments

Jobs and the Economy

  • Passed tax cuts for 95% of working families.
  • Co-sponsored and voted for Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) legislation to restore fiscal discipline, cut the deficit, and require government to pay for what we’re buying.
  • Secured funding for the Department of Workforce Solutions and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce to train workers for jobs in New Mexico’s growing clean energy market and other sectors.
  • Passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – legislation that cut job loss and rebuilt an economy that is growing for the first time in over a year. The White House predicts the Recovery Act will create or save 22,000 jobs in New Mexico.

Health Care

  • Passed health care reform that cuts costs, closes the Medicare “donut hole” for seniors, and eliminates pre-existing conditions. Health care reform will cover 81,000 uninsured in New Mexico’s First Congressional District.
  • Successfully fought to include reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act in national health care reform.
  • Expanded health coverage to four million more children nationwide through the SCHIP program.

Clean Energy and the Environment

  • Supported the largest investment in Green technology in history – including energy efficiency tax credits for homeowners, funding for clean energy development and worker training programs to support this growing industry.
  • Secured funding to improve energy efficiency in public schools and create good-paying jobs.
  • Raised fuel efficiency standards after years of debate and stagnation.
  • Funded the Army Corps of Engineers Southwest Valley Flood Damage Reduction project to reduce flooding in Albuquerque’s South Valley.
  • Led the effort to preserve Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque.

Military and Veterans

  • Passed legislation to ensure the 150th Fighter Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, commonly referred to as the “Tacos,” was given a follow-on mission. This single act saved hundreds of jobs.
  • Wrote legislation to help veterans more easily register with the Veterans’ Administration. This was the first bill he wrote as a member of Congress.
  • Enacted the New GI Bill, restoring our nation’s promise of a full, four year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
  • Introduced the TRICARE Dependent Coverage Extension Act to provide health care coverage to children of troops and military retirees until age 26.